About
The Yothu Yindi Foundation’s long-held dream of establishing a world-class education hub in northeast Arnhem Land is becoming a reality.
This is a game-changer for the region, offering a Yolngu-centred curriculum across the education lifecycle: Early Childhood to Primary, Secondary, VET, Bridging and Tertiary education levels.
Junior School
The Dhupuma Barker junior school is a transition to year 6 school based in Gunyangara, in northeast Arnhem Land.
The school is a partnership between Barker College and the Yothu Yindi Foundation, and celebrated its first birthday in April 2022.
Dhupuma Barker is a bilingual school which combines Yolngu cultural knowledge and learning with a traditional western curriculum, to deliver a truly unique classroom syllabus that emphasises the importance of Yolngu Matha (language), Rom (law) and Galtha (ways of learning).
Secondary School
The Dhupuma Studio School is a residential secondary school for Yolngu students that will be based at Gulkula, the site of the annual Garma Festival.
The school is a partnership between Studio Schools of Australia and the Yothu Yindi Foundation.
It will be based on SSA’s successful Yiramalay model in the Kimberley, which has delivered 90 per cent attendance rates and seen 80 per cent of students move on to further education or employment after school.
Tertiary & Vocational Education
The Garma Institute will be a Yolngu-owned and run tertiary and vocational education facility based at Gulkula, the site of the annual Garma Festival.
The project is a partnership between the University of Melbourne and the Yothu Yindi Foundation, with a vocational education partner soon to be confirmed.
The Garma Institute will offer bridging programs for those aged 16 and over, and Yolngu-designed tertiary study options for Yolngu students.
Support Our Work
The Yothu Yindi Foundation is looking for like-minded organisations to support our work and help create a better future for the next generation of Yolngu.
